Players went about their warm-up drills. There was laughter mixed with a touch of youthful frivolity.

Players smiled, the crowd cheered and the benches screamed during the announcement of the starting lineups.

This was a non-league girls soccer game between visiting Hamburg and Gov. Mifflin. No more, no less.

Then Gov. Mifflin senior Tory Suchoza grabbed the microphone.

Then everything changed.

Suchoza read a self-composed tribute to Hamburg's Taylor Seitzinger, the Hawks' top soccer player and beloved friend of many whose life tragically ended Thursday as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Suchoza, who was teammates with Seitzinger on a premier team since they were 12, spoke fluidly and eloquently.

She talked about Seitzinger's determination, her inspirational spirit, her willingness to put others before herself, her kindness, her smile, and her blond ponytail as it bounced as she ran down the field.

With each word, tears flowed down the faces of Hamburg's players. And Gov Mifflin's players. And many others in attendance.

A few hours later, the buzzer sounded on Mifflin's 3-1 victory. But the outcome of this game wasn't significant.

Because nothing could ease the pain of the ultimate loss.

"It's just not the same without her," said Hamburg senior Tyler Frantz, Seitzinger's best friend. "She would always stand next to me in the lineup. We would always hold pinkies.

"For her not to be here . . . it's hard, but you just have to try to keep going."

It would have been perfectly understandable if the Hawks decided not to start their season Saturday. The pain will persist all season, perhaps all their lives, but to take the field so soon after such a trying ordeal no doubt was difficult.

But the Hawks wanted - perhaps needed - to play.

The accident, which occurred more than a week ago, has dominated their thoughts and prayers. Nothing has seemed routine. Nothing has seemed right or fair.

Playing a simple game of soccer was a chance to attain, if ever so briefly, some normalcy.

"Taylor and I were talking about the start of our soccer season since her basketball season started," Frantz said. "This is her passion. I am playing for her.

"I just want her to know that she means so much to me and I want to be able to show her that by how I play soccer. She has taught me so much."

The fact that Seitzinger touched so many lives can teach many of us what really stands out about athletics.

Standings and statistics certainly have their place. Players should be taught to compete to the best of their abilities and strive to attain victory.

What's more important is learning to be a good teammate, being an even better citizen and respecting one's opponent.

Over time, the wins and losses fade away. The friendships and one's character endure.

Taylor Seitzinger was a standout in soccer, cross country and basketball. Her accomplishments on the athletic fields deserve applause.

But she will be remembered more for being an amazing person.

Suchoza's moving speech made that point crystal clear.

"It meant a lot to me and I'm sure it meant a lot to Hamburg, too," Suchoza said. "I just wanted Taylor to know that I will love her forever."